Laos (Lao People's Democratic Republic): more information on three prisoners of conscience

Amnesty International has recently received new information about the treatment of three prisoners of conscience arrested on 8 October 1990. Thongsouk Saysangkhi, Latsami Khamphoui and Feng Sakchittaphong have officially been accused of treason and of other serious offences such as "insurrection" but so far the authorities apparently have not presented substantiating evidence for the charges. The prisoners' request to be brought before a court to contest the legality of their charges has reportedly been denied. The three are said to be held in Samkhe (or Xamkhe) Prison in dark solitary confinement cells. According to reports they have had only one medical examination since their detention and have received no treatment for their medical complaints.